Floor Grid Panel Barrier Layer Melting for Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grid panels for floor attachment lack stability due to the barrier layer not being designed to handle load forces directly, as the force is transferred from the lattice bars to the barrier layer, which is not intended for such loads.

Innovation Solution

The barrier layer is melted in contact areas with the lattice structure, allowing it to be present exclusively within the lattice openings, enabling the lattice webs to directly contact the subsoil and providing improved stability, with the barrier layer forming a permeable net or fleece for drainage and material retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the barrier layer rests on the lattice bars to provide coverage and material retention, then the barrier layer can hold filling material in the grid openings, but the force is transferred to the barrier layer instead of directly to the subsoil, reducing structural stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidload-bearing capacity of barrier layer
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier layer is melted in the contact areas with the lattice structure, transitioning from a solid state that could bear load to a molten state that bonds to the lattice structure upon cooling. This phase transition during manufacturing creates a strong bond while eliminating the barrier layer's ability to bear load in contact areas, ensuring all load transfers directly to the subsoil through the lattice structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The physical state of the barrier layer is changed from solid to molten in the contact areas with the lattice structure. This parameter change (temperature-induced phase transition) allows the barrier layer to bond strongly to the lattice structure while preventing it from bearing load, as the molten material conforms to and bonds with the lattice structure upon cooling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the barrier layer covers the lattice structure to retain filling material, then material retention is improved, but the appearance on the reverse side is degraded as structural elements are covered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial retentionVSAvoidappearance of reverse side
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier layer is selectively melted only in the contact areas with the lattice structure, while remaining intact within the grid openings. This creates local quality differences: in contact areas, the melted barrier layer bonds to the lattice structure and becomes invisible, while in grid openings, the barrier layer remains to retain filling material. This local differentiation resolves both the appearance and material retention requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If the barrier layer is used to connect to the lattice structure through contact areas, then manufacturing is simplified, but the height of the grid panel is increased and load transfer is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection methodVSAvoidheight of grid panel
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier layer is melted during the injection molding process, transitioning from solid to molten state. This allows the barrier layer to conform to and bond with the lattice structure in contact areas, creating a strong connection without requiring additional height. The molten material flows into contact areas and bonds upon cooling, achieving connection without increasing panel height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design enhances the stability and appearance of the grid panel by allowing direct force transfer to the subsoil, while maintaining the barrier layer's function in retaining bulk materials and allowing water drainage, and simplifies manufacturing through injection molding or 3D printing processes.

Implementation Method 1

the barrier layer is melted in contact areas with the lattice structure in such a way that the barrier layer is present essentially exclusively within the lattice openings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP3978686A1Laying grid and method of manufacturing
Publication Date: 2022.04.06 ACO AHLMANN SE & CO KG
  • EP3978686A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3978686A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3978686A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a floor-mounted grid panel with a grid structure made of grid bars (11) that define grid openings, and with a barrier layer (20) that covers the grid openings, wherein the grid structure and the barrier layer (20) are bonded together. The invention is characterized in that the barrier layer (20) is melted in contact areas with the grid structure such that the barrier layer (20) is present essentially exclusively within the grid openings.